Making breastmilk lotion with coconut oil requires just a few ingredients, about 20 minutes, and a method that keeps the lotion from separating. The simplest version uses equal parts breastmilk and coconut oil, but adding beeswax creates a more stable, longer-lasting product. Here’s how to do both.
What You’ll Need
For a basic batch, gather these ingredients:
- Breastmilk: 4 ounces (fresh or previously frozen)
- Coconut oil: 4 ounces (organic, unrefined)
- Beeswax pellets: 1 to 2 tablespoons (optional, but strongly recommended for stability)
You’ll also need a double boiler (or a glass bowl set over a pot of simmering water), a whisk or immersion blender, and a clean jar with a lid for storage. Previously frozen milk that can no longer be fed to baby works perfectly for this, so it’s a good way to use milk that sat out too long or was refused from a bottle.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by setting up your double boiler. Place the beeswax pellets and coconut oil in the top bowl and heat gently until both are fully melted and combined. Stir occasionally to help the beeswax dissolve evenly. This takes roughly 5 to 10 minutes on low heat.
Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool to room temperature. This step is critical. If you add breastmilk while the oils are still hot, the heat will destroy the beneficial proteins and antibodies in the milk. Wait until the mixture feels warm but not hot to the touch, roughly body temperature.
Slowly pour in the breastmilk while mixing continuously. An immersion blender works best here, creating a smooth, creamy emulsion in about 30 seconds. A whisk works too, but you’ll need to mix vigorously for a few minutes to get a uniform texture. The lotion should look like a thick, creamy balm once it’s fully blended.
Pour the finished lotion into your clean jar and seal it. If you skip the beeswax, simply whip equal parts melted (and cooled) coconut oil with breastmilk using the immersion blender. This version is thinner and more likely to separate over time, but it’s the quickest option.
Why This Combination Works
Breastmilk and coconut oil each bring something different to the skin. Breastmilk contains antibodies and epidermal growth factor, a protein that promotes the growth and repair of skin cells. It carries no risk of allergic reaction for your own baby and has natural antibacterial properties. A clinical trial comparing topical breastmilk to 1% hydrocortisone ointment for diaper rash found both were equally effective after seven days of treatment.
Coconut oil strengthens the skin’s outer barrier, the layer that locks in moisture and keeps irritants out. Studies on preterm infants found that topical coconut oil reduced water loss through the skin, improved overall skin condition, and was associated with lower rates of infection, with no significant adverse effects. The lauric acid in coconut oil also has mild antimicrobial properties on its own, so the two ingredients complement each other.
Preventing Separation
The most common problem with homemade breastmilk lotion is the milk separating from the oil within a day or two. Water-based liquids and oils don’t naturally stay mixed, which is why commercial lotions use chemical emulsifiers. Beeswax acts as a natural emulsifier, binding the water and fat phases together. Using 1 to 2 tablespoons per 8 ounces of lotion typically prevents separation.
If your lotion does separate, you can re-blend it with the immersion blender. Keeping the jar in the refrigerator also helps maintain a more consistent texture, since the cooler temperature keeps the coconut oil firm rather than letting it liquefy and drift apart from the milk.
Storage and Shelf Life
Breastmilk lotion is a perishable product. The milk proteins and fats can go rancid without preservatives, so storage matters. Keep your lotion in the refrigerator and plan to use it within 7 days. Some sources suggest it can last up to 3 months in a cool, dark place, but the shorter window is safer given the lack of commercial preservatives.
Do not freeze the finished lotion. Freezing and thawing breaks the emulsion, leaving you with a lumpy, separated product. If you want to make lotion in larger quantities, freeze the breastmilk in small portions first, then thaw and mix a fresh batch each week.
Stop using the lotion if you notice any unusual odor, color changes, or a rancid smell. These are signs of bacterial growth or fat oxidation, and applying spoiled lotion to your baby’s skin could cause irritation rather than soothe it.
Tips for the Best Results
Making small batches is the simplest way to avoid waste and spoilage. A 4-ounce jar lasts most families about a week when applied once or twice daily, which lines up neatly with the recommended shelf life. Use clean hands or a small spatula each time you scoop from the jar to minimize introducing bacteria.
Choose unrefined, virgin coconut oil rather than refined versions. Unrefined coconut oil retains more of its natural fatty acids, particularly lauric acid, which provides the antimicrobial benefit. Refined coconut oil has been processed at higher temperatures and stripped of some of these compounds.
This lotion works well for general dryness, mild diaper rash, and everyday moisturizing. It’s gentle enough for newborn skin. For persistent eczema, cracked skin, or rashes that aren’t improving after a few days, the lotion alone may not be sufficient, and a pediatric evaluation would be the next step.